In a sauce pan, brown onions, 5 min. Add celery, carrots and garlic, and continue to saute, 5 minutes. Add a touch of water as necessary.

Then add split peas, potatoes, water and spices, stir and bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover 1 and 1/2 hours.

Allow to partially cool, and with stick blender partially blend together, leaving a few peas and potato chunks for texture.

Salt to taste and garnish with fresh parsley.